Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter go deep on the start of the still-unofficial Alberta NDP leadership race - the landscape, the rules, the perceived frontrunners - and what they need to do and the opportunities available to each of them. Did a column by CBC's Jason Markusoff putting all the open secrets out in public signal its launch? How should Sarah Hoffman, Kathleen Ganley, and Rakhi Pancholi position themselves in the race? And is there space for anybody else, or is all of Alberta too busy voting before 8pm MT on Sunday, December 17 at TellDave.ca? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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Corey Hogan and Zain Velji discuss the federal government's new dental plan, Liberal "negative ad" efforts and use a rumour about Rachel Notley stepping down as Alberta NDP leader as a jumping off point for a discussion of how a leader leaves and when they decide to do so. Should the NDP spend big to try to brand the dental plan as their own? Do negative ads work? And how long until The Strategists run out of "Zain Velji for Leader" posters? Stephen Carter continues his annual sabbatical. But Annalise Klingbeil is here, and she does a passable Zain, who in turn does a passable Stephen.

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Friday but Tuesday - Episode 1271: If you’re explaining, you’re winning

Look, Pierre Poilievre's video on housing is the talk of the internet. Listen, there's a reason for that. Zain Velji and Corey Hogan discuss the changing nature of political communications and the specifics of a viral housing hit - the case that's made, the resonance it's likely to have with the audience, the Liberal response. Stephen Carter and Annalise Klingbeil don't guest star.

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Thursday - Episode 1097: Shibboleths

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about political party conventions - who they're for, their value and what Pierre Poilievre can expect to get out of his this weekend in Quebec City. Are conventions for the faithful or the public? Why do political parties put so much effort into the communications surrounding conventions? And will Dan Arnold appreciate all three of his name checks this episode? Zain Velji, as always, isn't here. But Annalise Klingbeil is, and she's got you covered.

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Wednesday - SPECIAL EPISODE - Choosing Leaders

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the systems we use (and have used in the past) to choose political leaders. Why don't we have delegated conventions anymore? Shouldn't the caucus have a say in who their boss is? And is one-member-one-vote the worst system... until compared to all the others? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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It's the five days of Strategists! You, the non-paying listener get treated to five of our recent favourite paid episodes. See what you're missing and subscribe for as little as $6/month at: http://www.strategistspatreon.com

Tuesday - Episode 1254 - The best laid pension plans

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Danielle Smith's play for an Alberta Pension Plan - and to take half the CPP with her on the way out the door - before turning to Doug Ford and a stunning Greenbelt reversal. Does Danielle Smith actually think she can get her hands on half the CPP, or is there something else going on? Has Doug Ford stopped digging down? And is Formula One the new AFL? zAIn Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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It's the five days of Strategists! You, the non-paying listener get treated to five of our recent favourite paid episodes. See what you're missing and subscribe for as little as $6/month at: http://www.strategistspatreon.com

Monday - Episode 1268 - Name Drop

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter deep diver on whether the Alberta NDP should consider a name change and how - if that was somebody's desire - it should be done. How important is the name of a party when it comes to brand perception? What's the optimal timing for such a move? Is this something a leadership candidate could or should take on? And is "Curse of Strategy" taken as a podcast name? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the political strategy lessons to be gleaned from the weekend drama related to the ousting of OpenAI's CEO by its non-profit board. What does the weekend's events tell us about power dynamics generally? About leadership? And what are we supposed to make of Corey defending Suncor CEO Rich Kruger? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss David Cameron's appointment as UK Foreign Secretary, a poll that shows support for an Alberta Pension Plan up from 21% to 27% and an Ontario Liberal leadership pile-on. Was the win for Sunak that we aren't leading with Suella Braverman being fired? Do incremental increases in support for an Alberta Pension Plan matter? And why did you make us remember the David Cameron pig thing? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the Alberta UCP convention before turning attention to the growing conversation that it's time for Justin Trudeau to step down as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Is Take Back Alberta Danielle Smith's biggest strength or biggest problem? Is there a path forward for Justin Trudeau that doesn't involve a walk in the snow? And why has Corey declared war on people who wear political t-shirts, a group that could be charitably described as 95% of our listening audience? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

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